There is a growing trend towards investments that look to solve social issues while still providing risk-return characteristic on par with traditional managed equity funds, according to AXA Investment Managers which is launching a gender-equality focused offering.
AXA’s new strategy, The AXA World Funds – MiX in Perspectives (AXA IM), would aim to generate capital from companies which fostered gender diversity in an attempt to create stronger financial societal value. At the same time, there would be a specific focus on companies who had actively leveraged women and recognised strong economic potential in gender-diverse work settings.
AXA IM launched in Europe two weeks ago and would open an Australian domiciled pooled fund for the same strategy this year. Paris-based AXA IM global head of responsible investment, Matt Christensen, said there was a clear link between gender diversity at the senior management level, and the overall financial performance of a company.
“We saw a great opportunity to create a ‘gender diversity’ impact strategy that favours investments in companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting women in senior management and leadership positions,” he said.
“Research has shown $12 trillion could be added to global GDP by 2025 by investing in the advancement of women’s equality.”
